The Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NGGW), Saleh Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to be intentional in planting and caring for tree seedlings, stressing that they should nurture them as they would their children.
Abubakar made the call yesterday during the launch and symbolic planting of five million date palm seedlings across 11 frontline states, a key initiative of the agency to combat climate change and enhance local livelihoods.
“So far, I’m satisfied with what is happening here. They have distributed as much as we expected, and the people have keyed into the programme. We’re going to make a fantastic outcome of this engagement with the communities,” he said.
He explained that the choice of date palms was deliberate, noting that besides their environmental benefits, they also provide a sustainable source of income for beneficiaries.
We have been engaging communities and stakeholders, compiling lists of beneficiaries, and we will begin distribution with those already registered so that monitoring will be easier,” Abubakar added.
Out of the five million seedlings allocated to the 11 states, Bauchi will receive 450,000, the DG disclosed, urging residents to care for the plants diligently.
“I will ask them to take very good care of these seedlings, nurture them as their children. In the long run, they will yield fruit and provide a good living for the people,” he said.
Representing the Emir of Katagum, the Village Head of Azare, Magaji Abdulkadir, also emphasised the need for commitment in nurturing the trees.
“Planting a tree is one thing, but nurturing it to growth is another. Please take good care of the seedlings, as you stand to benefit from the result,” he said.
He noted the importance of tree planting in the Sahelian zone, adding that the initiative will help restore degraded land while improving livelihoods in surrounding communities.
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